La Roche College announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Education approved its application to become La Roche University effective March 26, 2019.
Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., president of La Roche, announced the transition during a celebration for students, faculty and staff. Alumni and friends from across the country and world joined the president for the announcement via Facebook Live.

“Changing our designation and name to La Roche University is the fulfillment of a vision that many on campus have shared for several years. This approval to become a university is recognition of how far La Roche has come. What began as a school for religious women in 1963 with seven students in its first graduating class is now a university that offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree. Our 14,000 plus alumni live in every state in the U.S. and in 65 countries around the world,” President Introcaso said.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean Howard Ishiyama, Ph.D., said, “As a university La Roche will continue to stand firm in its mission and core values of inclusivity, integrity, determination, compassion, inspiration, justice and peace. La Roche will build on its rich history and what it is already known for – educating students to be lifelong learners in an increasingly diverse and global society.”

“La Roche is indebted to its founders, the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence, and to our donors whose faith in our mission and steadfast support have brought us to this exciting crossroads in our history. Honoring their visionary leadership, we are still writing our story,” said Intracaso.